Good Living for Seniors          In and Near Clark County Washington         "Inviting gardens, museums and restaurants . . .          . . . and a friendly atmosphere . . ."                                       Country Discoveries, Nov/Dec 2003                   "America's cleanest city."                                      -- Reader's Digest  (July, 2005)        "Portland is the kind of place that reminds you               of what the best cities are all about . . . people."                                           -- St. Louis Post-Dispatch  (October, 2002) Increasingly, retirees and relocating seniors are discovering the pleasures and benefits of easy living in Clark County   Washington, for many the number one choice for retirement living in the Portland Oregon - Vancouver Washington Metropolitan Area.  The reasons are many. To start with, the weather is relatively mild.  No hurricanes and no big snowdrifts to contend with!  A very mild tornado occured in 2008...the first in about 40 years.  And contrary to popular belief, it doesn't rain all the time, not by any means. Nor are there long bouts of high heat and humidity.  In most years, residents experience just enough seasonal change to distinguish and enjoy the differences.  When there are occassional especially cold or hot periods, they don't last long.  And as is so obvious from the area's abundance of wonderful public and private gardens, the climate is just right for enjoying gardening! Another big plus unique to the Washington side of the Columbia are the tax benefits derived from living in and around Vancouver Washington instead of Oregon.  Taxes in Washington's Clark  County and Cowlitz County are strikingly different from those in the rest of the Metro Area.  Washington residents pay no -- zero! -- state income taxes, while in Oregon, even retirement income and inheritances are taxed.  Property taxes are generally lower in Clark County Washington Washington, too, and there are special programs available to reduce or assist seniors with property taxes.  Varied lifestyle options and the overall area's good quality of life is another reason.  The population, though growing, is still not so large that it is overly crowded and congested as in other larger metropolitan areas.  Good growth management and planning has helped to maintain a positive environment as newcomers are welcomed and comfortably absorbed into the fabric of the local culture.  Local transit services -- including not only excellent bus systems in both Portland and Clark County, but also lightrail as well as Euro-style streetcars in Portland -- provide outstanding travel and access capabilities for residents who do not want to drive or are disabled.  Portland residents are rightly proud of the beautiful treed city-center transit mall, the downtown "fareless square," and the convenience of taking the MAX lightrail from any point it serves directly into the Portland International Airport terminal.  Vancouver has multiple "park and ride" locations where folks can make easy bus connections in Clark County and to Portland.  Both Portland and Clark County offer shuttle services to assist seniors in getting about.  There is a plan in the works to eventually extend the MAX lightrail system from Portland to Vancouver.  Also, shopping and all manner of basic services are easily found throughout the area's communities. And beautiful city parks in which to stroll or rest comfortably on benches are everywhere found, even in the very heart of downtown Portland and Vancouver.  The area is also has many churches of all denominations, including many recently established to meet the growth in the area.  Streets are clean, and crime is low.  And above all, people are courteous and genuinely friendly! Quality healthcare is a priority in the Portland Oregon -Vancouver Washington Metro Area, and the broad array of available services is impressive.  The region's care providers are responding to the needs of the growing population by building new state-of-the-art hospitals and  specialty clinics as well as expanding older facilities and services, ensuring that the high level of services that residents are accustomed to is maintained.  Every kind of services are available, including all medical and dental specialties, rehabilitation facilities, alternative care choices, assisted living, and hospice.  The region's population is strongly committed to public service, and volunteerism and avenues for citizen participation in community affairs are common.  Many special programs are available from local universities and colleges for seniors to further their education at reduced costs, and other options for intellectual stimulation or to learn new skills or hobbies through classes, librairies, or other community programs are plentiful.  Recreation facilities, such as indoor public swimming pools, exercise or community dance programs, are found throughout the area.  Many local community and regional festivals and events take place throughout the year, and there is no end to the options for fun day or weekend trips to enjoy the region's unparalleled scenery and unique treasures.   And while home values have been going up in recent years, area prices are still very affordable relative to many other major American metropolitan areas.   This is especially true in Clark and Cowlitz counties, including in Vancouver, where prices continue to average lower than in Portland and the metro area's Oregon counties.  Home options vary widely, including many single-level houses, condominiums, and patio homes, as well as larger multi-story homes with master suites or an additional bedroom with full bath on main floor or homes with complete "in-law" apartments, ideal for visiting or residing parents of adult children.  Further, quality 55+ communities can be found throughout the region -- including single family homes in a variety of price ranges, manufactured home parks, condominiums, and apartments --  many with special amenities such as golf courses and other recreational facilities, as well as other services.  There are also a variety of excellent assisted living facilities.  Explore the other pages of this website for more information on the area, and check out the  COMMUNITY LINKS section for even more sites to research.   As one who is 60+, I have first-hand understanding of what is important for good living in the "golden years."  I am very familiar with the neighborhoods and home options -- from condominiums to single family homes, including 55+ communities -- that are best suited for easy, low-maintenance living convenient to medical and other important services, recreation, and all that makes for good, comfortable living.  Feel free to ask me any questions you might have, without obligation, at any time.  To contact me  CLICK HERE To search for single family homes for sale, or condos, patio homes, townhomes, or manufactured homes particularly suited to your wants and needs   CLICK HERE Carol Sundstrom COLDWELL BANKER BARBARA SUE SEAL PROPERTIES UNIVERSITY BRANCH AT SALMON CREEK (360) 449-4364 OR 513-5067 carolsundstrom@cbseal.com  © Carol Sundstrom, 2005

CONTACT ME TO RECEIVE A LIST OF AGE 55+ COMMUNITIES IN AND AROUND CLARK COUNTY WA SEARCH FOR HOMES LEARN ABOUT: HEALTHCARE TYPES OF HOMES AVAILABLE LIFESTYLE SEE ALSO: COMMUNITY LINKS